ASHRAE is seeking public comment on Guideline 12-2000, Minimizing the Risk of Legionellosis Associated with Building Water Systems, which is now open for a 45-day public review until September 11.

The guideline will provide essential information and guidance to assist in the control of legionellosis associated with building water systems. It also gives users direction in implementing ASHRAE Standard 188: Legionellosis: Risk Management for Building Water Systems, considered a prime resource an effective water management program to prevent legionella infections.

ASHRAE Guideline 12, developed by the ASHRAE Standing Standard Project Committee (SSPC) 188, is intended for building owners of human-occupied buildings and those involved in the design, construction, installation, commissioning, management, operation, maintenance and service of centralized building water systems and components.

“Our goal with Guideline 12 is to have a strong companion document that works in tandem with ASHRAE Standard 188,” says Michael Patton, member of ASHRAE SSPC 188. “We invite all interested and affected parties to review and comment on Guideline 12 during its public review period. Doing so will help ASHRAE and SSPC 188 create better resources that help building owners minimize the risk of legionellosis.”

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, the average number of reported cases of Legionnaires’ disease is generally less than 100 per year, but the actual number of cases is thought to be much higher. Bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease can be found in various building water systems in all types of facilities. Over the past month, the bacteria was found in apartment buildings in Ontario and Nova Scotia.

Those interested in reviewing and commenting on the guideline can do so at www.ashrae.org/publicreviews.